Star-Ledger file photosThe final redistricting map that was chosen threw Steve Rothman (D) into a Republican-leaning district with Scott Garrett (R).

TRENTON — U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman, the odd man out in congressional redistricting, says he is “considering all my options” under the new map and will make an announcement about his political future soon.

“My life has been committed to public service and to representing all my constituents. Lines on a map do not change the need to continue the fight to expand opportunity for all Americans,” Rothman said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing the fight for these values. In pursuit of that fight, I am looking at all my options as a result of the new map. I will make an announcement about my plans in the near future.”

Rothman, a liberal Democrat, was thrown into a Republican district with conservative U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett (R-9th Dist). The district closely resembles the one Garrett already represents, while much of it is unfamiliar territory for Rothman. Rothman’s old district was largely moved into one that would be represented by U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8th Dist.).

Political insiders are already speculating about whether Rothman will seek reelection in his new district, or do something else entirely.

Former Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts, who led the Democrats’ redistricting team he had “every expectation” Rothman would seek reelection against Garrett.

View full sizeOffice of Legislative ServicesA close view of the 8th, 9th and 10th congressional districts in New Jersey. View the full map here.

“It clearly is a Republican-favoring district. But frankly great Democrats win in Republican-favoring districts, and that is exactly what Congressman Rothman is going to do,” he said.

But Rothman in his statement today would not confirm Roberts’ sentiment, saying only “I will make an announcement about my plans in the near future.”

Meanwhile, Cook Political Report House Editor David Wasserman, a New Jersey native, crunched the numbers and made a case that, if Rothman moved into Pascrell’s new district, he would be favored to beat Pascrell in a primary. The new district includes Rothman’s power base of Englewood, where he no longer lives but used to serve as mayor.

“In fact if you break down the new 9th District, 54 percent of residents are Rothman’s current constituents. Forty-three percent are Pascrell’s current constituents,” he said. “Rothman has a geographical advantage if he were to run in a primary against Pascrell.”